All composition assignments must be typed; this includes everything except the rough draft. If you experience technical difficulties, temporarily submit a neatly handwritten copy until a typed copy can be provided.

Print paper only on one side of each sheet of paper.

Use unlined 81/2- by 11-inch paper and double space

Black ink only. Exception: graphics or photographs that contain color images.

Use 12-point font size or larger in a clear, readable type style, preferably Arial or Times New Roman.  Do not use a fancy script style like this. 

Observe standard one-inch margins on both sides, top, and bottom edges.

Title page: include a title, your name, teacher’s name, class & period, assignment, and date (in military style, 27 Oct. 2008). Title page may be decorated or plain. MLA style does not require a title page, but it is Mrs. Kuykendall’s personal preference.

Include a thesis and outline page after the title page for assignments longer than one paragraph.

On final copy, place last name and page number in upper right hand corner (1/2 inch from top) on each page. Hint: use header format and automatic page numbering on your word processor.

Heading on first page of final copy (justify left side, one inch from top, double spaced): your name, teacher’s name, class & period, and date (in military style, 7 Feb. 2009).

Title on first page of final copy only: centered, title case, on next double-spaced line below heading

Arrange the assignment with title page on top, then thesis and outline page, final copy of the assignment, and rough draft.

Proofread for errors (spelling, grammar, punctuation, wording) and use correction fluid to make last-minute corrections. Handwritten corrections should be inserted neatly in black ink directly above the line(s) involved with a caret (^).

Paperclip pages in upper left corner. Do not staple or use plastic folders or report covers. Paperclips are provided in class.

Follow directions above for title page, headings, page numbers, margins, order of pages, and corrections.

Single space or double space—your choice, but double space between paragraphs.

Use blue or black ink on loose-leaf paper--not paper torn out of a spiral notebook.  In-class assignments may be written in pencil or ink.  Do not write on back of pages; observe one-inch margins on both sides, top, and bottom.

These assignments should be ready to be turned in at the beginning of class the day it is due.

Assignments not turned in when called for on the due date will be considered late.

Any late written assignment is penalized 10% per class day late, up to 50%.

Assignments more than 5 days late not accepted.

Excused Absences:  If you have an excused absence the day a written assignment is due, it will not be counted late, but you are expected to bring the assignment with you the next time you attend class.

Field Trips:  Turn in written assignments before you go or send it with a classmate; otherwise, it will be counted late even though you are not in class unless you make arrangements with me prior to the field trip.

The two-week (ten class-day) policy for make up work does not apply to long term written assignments which are assigned at least one week in advance of the due date.

Exceptions due to prolonged illness or family emergency will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

When writing an in-class paper or answers to essay questions on a test, you may use pen (blue or black only) or pencil (lead dark enough to be read easily).

Neat cross-outs, sentences revised on separate sheets, and arrows drawn to edited passages are permissible.  Include clear notes when making these changes so your reader can follow your ideas easily. Teacher's tip: correction fluid is your friend!

Follow all instructions given above under "If handwritten," except for including a rough draft. When doing in-class writing, you are not expected to do a separate rough draft--you probably will not have time.

In-class papers/essay tests should be completed in a timely manner during class. You will usually not be allowed to complete work at a later time unless there are extenuating circumstances. Learn to discipline yourself to complete work in time given.

You may use a dictionary or thesaurus when writing in class unless the class is told specifically not to use such aids.  You may also ask the teacher for assistance in making editing decisions (spelling, grammar, mechanics, etc.).